Description
This Basil Lemonade Drink is a refreshing and vibrant summer beverage that combines fresh basil and tart lemon juice with a sweet basil-infused syrup. Perfect for hot days, this homemade lemonade offers a delightful herbaceous twist on the classic drink, with optional sparkling water for added fizz.
Ingredients
Scale
Basil Syrup
- 1 cup water
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
Drink
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4–6 lemons)
- 3 cups cold water
- 1 cup ice cubes
- Lemon slices and basil sprigs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Basil Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water with ¾ cup of granulated sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until all the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Infuse the Basil: Remove the saucepan from heat and add 1 cup fresh basil leaves to the hot syrup. Allow the basil to steep for 15 minutes to infuse the syrup with a fragrant, herbal flavor. Then strain the syrup to remove the basil leaves, discarding them.
- Combine the Lemonade: In a large pitcher, mix together 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, the basil-infused syrup, and 3 cups of cold water. Stir well to fully combine the sweet, tart, and herbal flavors.
- Add Ice and Adjust: Add 1 cup of ice cubes to the pitcher and stir again. Taste the lemonade and adjust sweetness or tartness by adding more sugar or lemon juice if desired.
- Serve and Garnish: Pour the lemonade into glasses filled with ice. Optionally, garnish each glass with lemon slices and fresh basil sprigs for an attractive and aromatic presentation.
Notes
- For a sparkling version, substitute some or all of the cold water with sparkling water just before serving for a fizzy twist.
- To intensify the basil flavor and add a green tint, blend the basil leaves directly into the syrup instead of merely steeping them.